Best hike near Whistler

Naturally when you visit a ski resort in the middle of summer you seek out what is the best hiking and biking in the area, no? Let me save you the trouble, if you want the best hike around Whistler and you are in good hiking shape the Garibaldi Lake Panorama Trail is all you need to know.

About a 20 mile round trip hike with 9,500+ feet of elevation change makes for a great challenging day hike or take your time and enjoy camping in the backcountry.

Since we couldn’t carry-on the flight hiking poles, Emily Sue found a trusty hiking stick to accompany her wayTake a look at the GPS data if you are into that sort of thing – https://www.strava.com/activities/377580804One of our first glimpses of the blue from the lower Barrier LakeBreaking out of the tree line we found long distance viewsBear back scratcher?We came upon this unexpected creature next, apparently she decided hiking wasn’t for her and opted for some nude sunbathing instead

Other hikers told us the glacier on the left used to extend all the way down the valley just 15 years ago ~ sadWe stopped to take in the views with our little bird friend

Watch for rolling ankles

9.5 miles and 4,775 feet of climbing = well worth it

Starting the long walk back down

As a filthy hiker in seemed a quick ice bath was in orderSome censorship was required as hiking briefs not quiet equal to a swimsuitMeanwhile EmSue was taming the local wildlife

Somehow switchbacks are always worse on the way downA sentimental moment in the soft moss at the end of a long day or just resting?Ending the day with a natural muscle relaxer to ease our post hike soreness